potential scam popup telling me to call [MOD phone no removed] and not to shut down the computer so that i can clear my computer of a virus threat that can steal my personal id's and info.

Question

potential scam popup telling me to call [MOD phone no removed] and not to shut down the computer so that i can clear my computer of a virus threat that can steal my personal id's and info.

Answer 1

It sounds like you are encountering a tech support scam. Microsoft will never display phone numbers in pop-ups or ask you to call them for support. If you see a message like this, it is important to remain cautious and not engage with the pop-up. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Do Not Call the Number: Scammers often use fake numbers to trick you into giving them access to your computer or personal information.
2. Close the Pop-Up: You can try to close the browser window or tab. If it is not responding, you can open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and end the browser process.
3. Restart Your Computer: If the pop-up persists, restarting your computer can help.
4. Run a Full Malware Scan: Use Microsoft Defender or another trusted antivirus program to scan your computer for any potential threats.
5. Report the Scam: You can report the scam to Microsoft using their official channels.

To protect yourself from these types of scams in the future, ensure that your browser settings are adjusted to block pop-ups and consider using an ad blocker. Always initiate contact with Microsoft directly through their official support channels if you need assistance.

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References:

• Tech support scams
• How to protect against tech support scams